In a bid to encourage companies to take concrete steps towards curbing their environmental footprint, Optera, a renowned player in ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) and carbon management software, has introduced a new Outreach module. This latest offering from the Boulder-based firm is specifically designed to enhance how companies collect data from their suppliers concerning carbon emissions. It aims to streamline and bolster their decarbonization efforts across supply chains, which are typically complex and sprawling entities, with many layers of emissions data to be managed and optimized.

Optera’s inventive module is part of its broader Supply Chain Manager solution, which taps into a formidable database encompassing emissions disclosures from over 10,000 suppliers. This extensive pool of data provides businesses with an immediate baseline view of their Scope 3 emissions, covering all indirect emissions that occur in the value chain of the reporting company, excluding emissions from direct operations and energy consumption which fall under Scope 1 and Scope 2 categories, respectively.

The new Outreach module is crafted to engage suppliers at various stages of environmental management maturity through a trio of guided pathways. It categorizes suppliers into three distinct groups: mature, mid-maturity, and low-maturity, based on their current level of emissions tracking and reporting advancement. For the mature suppliers who have already calculated their carbon footprints, the module provides tools to report detailed, facility-level data. Mid-maturity suppliers are assisted in calculating their direct emissions (Scope 1) and indirect emissions from purchased energy (Scope 2) based on their energy usage data. The least mature group can estimate their emissions with the help of pre-filled industry averages and basic facility details.

This tiered approach not only simplifies the data collection process across diverse supplier profiles but also furnishes less advanced suppliers with the necessary tools and knowledge to elevate their emissions management practices. As Tim Weiss, CEO and co-founder of Optera, pointed out, supply chain emissions represent both a significant challenge and an opportunity for companies navigating the shift towards a low-carbon economy.

The comprehensive visibility facilitated by the Outreach module allows companies to set science-based targets with greater accuracy, identify potent reduction levers, and foster closer, more productive collaborations with suppliers. Moreover, this module serves a dual purpose by offering education on sustainability practices alongside the operational tools, ensuring suppliers are both informed and equipped to partake meaningfully in the decarbonization journey.

By providing a mechanism to close existing data gaps and enhance the emission reporting fidelity, Optera’s Outreach module is positioned as a critical tool for companies aiming to meet their ambitious net-zero targets while handling varying levels of supplier sophistication and readiness.

Optera itself stands as a testament to committed climate action, having established a strong base of clientele including major corporate players and partnering with leading NGOs to push the boundaries of corporate ESG practices globally. This latest initiative is another stepping stone towards realizing more robust and transparent environmental accountability in corporate operations, particularly within the expansive and often opaque realms of global supply chains. For companies eager to enhance their sustainability endeavors, the Outreach module and Optera’s suite of solutions offer a pathway towards more sustainable and responsible business practices.